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10 Best Dog Treats Without Sugar

A pet lover passionate about educating readers about animal health and care. Love reading studies and recent research.
Published on
Friday 9 December 2022
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
10 Best Dog Treats Without Sugar
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Being a dog parent comes with responsibilities, but a dog with diabetes needs extra care in their diet. All dogs love treats, but as a pet parent, you need to ensure you are giving the right ones. Luckily for dogs with diabetes, treats without sugar are available, and we will cover some of them today. We will walk you through the best sugar-free dog treats, so please go through them carefully. 

10 Best Sugar-Free Dog Treats

To find the best dog treats without sugar, look for high-fiber and low-sugar ingredients. Make sure that the nutrition is balanced, and it has lots of vitamins and proteins in it. The most important thing is to have low calories because too many calories can cause weight gain. Finally, consider portion size, because smaller ones make for better dog diabetes treats.

We have selected the PureBites chicken breast treat because of two main reasons: it is made from the pure chicken breast (so no fillers or preservatives etc) and it is very low on calories (just 3 calories per treat).

Chicken is excellent for dog bones and health, and this product is made from freeze-dried raw chicken, so it maintains the original flavor which will surely entice your dog.

Let’s take a brief look at our top recommendations.

Product NameDescriptionCalorie Level/TreatRating
All Natural Diabetic Dog TreatsDiabetic formula, and no added preservatives or dye26 cal4.5  
Diabetic TINY Dog Treats All Natural 2 CalorieBoosts the immune system and low calorie2 cal4.5  
PureBites Chicken Breast for DogsRaw protein, high mineral content, and suitable for sensitive stomachs3 cal4.5  
Zero/G Roasted Lamb Recipe Mini Dog TreatsGluten-free, no preservatives, and human-grade ingredients 3.98 cal4.5 
Yitto Paws Puppy TreatsVegan snack with high-fruit content, and zero added sugars3.6 cal4.5 
Canine Cravers Single Ingredient Dog TreatsZero sugar, high fibers, and superfoodsNA4.4  
Beg & Barker Jerky for DogsZero sugar, no grains or corn, and organic ingredientsNA4.4 
Sweet Potato Dog TreatsOrganic flavored treats, zero-sugar, and zero-grainNA4.3  
Ella’s Diabetic Dog TreatsNo added sugar, natural anti-oxidants, and rich in minerals 2-3 cal4.3  
All-Natural Dog Jerky Natural jerky, fit for restricted diets and diabetic dogsNA4.3  
10 Best Dog Treats Without Sugar

1. All Natural Diabetic Dog Treats

The all-natural diabetic dog treat from Old Dog Cookie Co is made from organic materials, and these materials make it very easy to feed. It has fiber and herbs, so these ingredients slow food metabolism. The pectin in these treats keeps insulin levels in check, and hence these are safe treats for diabetic dogs. This product does not have any chemicals or dyes, so it cannot affect the dog’s health negatively. 

However, it is one of the more expensive options. Also, some reviewers found the treats hard to chew, so they might not be good for older dogs. 

Pros

  • All natural ingredients
  • Contains pectin that controls insulin levels
  • Fiber and herbs to slow down metabolism
  • No additives and chemicals and dyes

Cons

  • One of the more expensive options
  • Hard to chew so not good for older dogs

2. Diabetic TINY Dog Treats All Natural 2 Calorie

The all-natural 2-calorie (Tiny Dog) treats from Old Dog Cookie Co. are the best snacks for dogs with diabetes. This is catered to smaller dogs and has low calories and low protein content. It also has ingredients that boost immunity, so it is great for older dogs. Moreover, the product contains no artificial ingredients and is completely safe for all dogs. Each bag contains more than 225 treats, so one bag is sufficient to last a long time.

On the negative side, this snack is not enough for older dogs who need a higher nutritional value. Also, if you have dogs who are picky eaters, this is not the choice you should make. 

Pros

  • Boosts the immune system
  • Low calorie, low protein treat
  • No artificial ingredients

Cons

  • Not the best option for senior dogs
  • Only one flavor is available 

3. PureBites Chicken Breast for Dogs

The PureBites Chicken Breast dog treats are made with pure processed chicken, and chicken is really good for dog health. Chicken has high protein and calcium content, and it is also perfect for diabetic diets. Chicken breast is the only ingredient in this treat, so you don’t have to worry about allergies or bad nutrition. The treats are raw and freeze-dried, and therefore dogs love their taste.

However, one problem with this snack is that it can be a little chewy, and some dogs don’t like that. Also, a lot of the treats crumble and the bag ends up with chicken dust.

Pros

  • High nutritional value for young dogs to boost nail and hair growth
  • High in protein and mineral content 
  • Safe for dogs with a sensitive stomach

Cons

  • Can be a little chewy
  • Treats crumble leaving chicken dust in the bag

4. Zero/G Roasted Lamb Recipe Mini Dog Treats

The Zero/G roasted lamb treats from Darford have no sugar, so they are safe for diabetic dogs. It has grains, berries, and chia seeds, and therefore it is high in antioxidants. The product comes in baked form, so it is easier for digestion. It is also high in fiber and should be used as an intermittent snack to avoid weight gain. It contains no grains and is gluten-free, so it is safe for all dogs.

However, the only negative aspect of this product is that it might be very bland to taste, and some dogs may refuse to eat it. 

Pros

  • Highly nutritious with grains, superfoods, and fruits
  • Rich in fiber to provide for better digestion 
  • Zero sugar content
  • No grains and gluten-free

Cons

  • Might be difficult to feed picky dogs

5. Yitto Paws Puppy Treats

If you are looking for vegan diabetes treats, Yitto Paws has come up with a good option. It is made from plant-based products and has no animal protein in it. Moreover, it has fruits, oats, and a hint of peanut butter, so your dog will love the taste. There is very little synthetic sugar and salt content, and hence it is perfect for dogs with diabetes. 

Some dogs might not enjoy the fruity flavor, so it may not be a good solution. Others might not have a strong digestive system, so a plant-based diet might not work. 

Pros

  • Low-calorie snack with no added salt or sugar
  • Perfect for dogs of different ages and breeds 
  • Plant-based products containing fruits, oats, and peanut butter

Cons

  • Some dogs have been known to dislike the flavor
  • Plant-base might not be the best option for many dogs

6. Canine Cravers Single-Ingredient Dog Treats

Canine Cravers Single Ingredient Treat is made with just one ingredient, so it gives great flavor to your dog. You have the option of beef, Cod skins, and chicken, so your dog can pick and choose. Cod skins are rich in omega-3, beef in protein and chicken is also lean meat. The ingredients are also processed without gluten and preservatives, making them safe and easy to digest. 

The snack comes in huge chunks, so older pups losing teeth might find it difficult to chew. Also, the edges of the treat are sharp and might hurt some dogs.

Pros

  • Gluten-free snack with no preservatives
  • Option of beef, chicken, and cod skins
  • Human-grade ingredients to maintain the health of the dogs

Cons

  • The right option has to be chosen for allergies
  • The treats are also very large and difficult to feed
  • The edges are also sharp

7. Beg & Barker Jerky for Dogs

The Beg and Barker jerky for dogs has a very high nutrient value. This is a zero-sugar snack that contains no grain or corn. It is high protein and very nutrient-dense, so it improves the health of your dog. It has essential fatty acids and minerals, so it is quite healthy. Additionally, the dog treat is made from human-grade food and is safe to eat. 

However, this jerky is that air-dried meat has a smell that dogs might not like. Also, it can contain grease and fat as residue, because of the way it is processed. It might also be unhealthy for obese dogs. 

Pros

  • A high content of minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids
  • Nutrient-dense, high protein
  • Zero sugar content
  • No corns or no grain fillers that can mess with digestion 

Cons

  • Air-dried meat can have an unpleasant smell
  • It may also contain grease and fat that has to be cleaned before feeding

8. Sweet Potato Dog Treats

This healthy sweet potato-flavored treat from Brutus and Barnaby can be a good change for your dog’s palette. It has zero sugar content, so it is one of the best treats for dogs with diabetes. This snack also helps manage diet and is packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains zero grains or fat, and therefore it has a very high nutrient value. Lastly, it is gluten-free, so it is perfect for dogs with allergies.

However, these treats are small and chewy, so young dogs and large dogs would not be satisfied with them. Additionally, they contain sweet potatoes, and many dogs do not like their smell. 

Pros

  • Contains natural anti-oxidants, vitamins, and minerals 
  • Gluten-free and best for dogs allergic to wheat
  • Zero fat, zero grain, and no added sugar

Cons

  • Some dogs might not like the sweet potato smell 
  • Not suited for younger dogs and larger dogs

9. Ella’s Diabetic Dog Treats

Ella’s diabetic dog treats from dogabetix are one of the best dog treats for diabetic dogs. These treats are made from organic materials, so they are completely safe for your pup. They contain chia seeds, sweet potato puree, and rolled oats, so no ingredient will spike sugar levels. Moreover, the ingredients are yummy, and most dogs love to munch on them. 

However, the treats come in big sizes, so they are not right for very young or old dogs. Moreover, many reviewers felt that the treats were too hard, so it is not easy to chew on them.

Pros

  • Organic treats made from natural ingredients 
  • Low glycemic index ingredients
  • Tasty treats
  • Zero additives or preservatives

Cons

  • Senior dogs may find them hard to chew 
  • Too big for small dogs

10. Best Dog Treats All-Natural Dog Jerky 

All-natural Dog Jerky treats from Pet Peeve Gear are pure chicken, so they are great for dogs allergic to other meats. It is high in protein and vitamins, so it is a very healthy snack for your dog. It has nutrients that help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, and chicken is also easier on the dog’s digestive system.

Dogs love the taste of chicken, so these treats should be given only in restricted quantities. You might also find scraps of chicken in it, and you should remove them. 

Pros

  • Pure chicken jerky appropriate for all ages
  • Good for dogs with allergies, overweight, and diabetes
  • Raw protein and nutrients can help in a restricted diet

Cons

  • The quantity has to be controlled for diet purposes
  • Occasionally comes with scraps of chicken
  • Some dogs might not be allergic to chicken

Are Sugar-Free Dog Treats Safer Than Regular Treats?

There are a few reasons why sugar-free dog treats are generally considered safer than regular treats. 

  • Sugar-free treats are high in complex carbs, fiber, and protein. High fiber diets are harder to digest, so they take longer, giving the body time to process any sugar in the food.
  • Sugar-free treats are lower in calories and fat, and the high fiber also helps in reducing excess weight
  • Most sugar-free treats are often made with healthier ingredients than regular treats, so they’re a better option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

Just like humans trying to maintain a healthy diet, snacks for dogs with diabetes are, in fact, healthy for dogs without diabetes. Choosing safer and low-calorie ingredients can be a better idea for a healthy dog, especially when they are aging. 

What Ingredients Should Owners Look For?

Diabetic dogs need insoluble fibers, proteins, and low calories in their diets, so make sure you opt for foods that have them. Controlling diabetes depends a lot on managing diet, so the ingredients of regular treats have to be picked out carefully. Here are some of the ingredients you have to look out for in diabetic treats for dogs:

  • High in insoluble fibers
  • High-protein contents like chicken liver and lamb
  • Natural sweeteners with low sugar content 

Ingredients you should try to avoid in the dog treats:

  • Added sugars
  • High carbohydrates and starch 
  • Added flavoring 

Always choose the right ingredients, and your dog will be free from health problems such as diabetes. Change their exercise regimen, so that it matches the kind of food they are eating. Make sure that there is a balance of both, and you are making the extra time to ensure this in your day-to-day life. Lastly, make sure that diabetic dogs always have fresh, clean water around them because they can get thirsty.

Best Dog Treats Without Sugar: FAQs

We are sure that we haven’t answered everything so far, so here are answers to some more burning questions dog owners often have.

What treats can you give a dog with diabetes?

Prefer to give them specially formulated, diabetes-friendly treats, and you can choose one that we have shared above. Packaged treats are not the only option, so you can use homemade snacks as treats. Some examples include peanut butter, homemade chicken jerky, and green vegetables for them to munch on.

Should there be sugar in dog treats?

Dogs need sugar and carbohydrates for energy, so some sugar is necessary. However, some types of sugar are bad, and excess sugar can be very bad for them.

If you are buying snacks for diabetic dogs, don’t give them anything with high-sugar content. Make sure to check the ingredients before choosing the snack, because even preservatives might increase blood sugar

How can I lower my dog’s blood sugar quickly?

There is no easy way to reduce blood sugar quickly, but you can increase exercise frequency and monitor their diet. Also, keep a constant watch on the dog’s weight and make sure they don’t become obese. Give them treats high in fiber, low in sugar, and calories so that they don’t get insulin spikes often.

What happens if a dog has too much sugar?

Too much sugar is not healthy for dogs, and they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. It might feel increased thirst and also experience panting or restlessness. In severe cases, excess sugar can lead to death, so it is important to monitor your dog’s sugar intake. If you find any of these signs, please consult with your vet immediately.

Does sugar make dogs hyper?

If your dog is acting up or behaving too wild throughout the day, checking their sugar levels is important. Excess sugar might make them hyperactive and agitated, so keep a lookout for such signs. It can also cause long-term health problems, so limit the sugar content of your dog’s diet. 

So, if you are the pet parent of a diabetic dog, you can choose one of the best dog treats without sugar for your pup to keep them safe, healthy, and happy.

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